Anti-Corruption Watchdog Probes Commissioner's Defence Work
The integrity watchdog overseeing Australia's National Anti-Corruption Commission has launched a formal investigation into Commissioner Paul Brereton regarding his ongoing involvement with defence force matters while serving as the nation's anti-corruption chief.
Dual Roles Under Scrutiny
Inspector Gail Furness has confirmed her office is examining two specific matters concerning Brereton's conduct. The first relates to his involvement in referrals concerning the Department of Defence, the Australian Defence Force, and the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force. The second focuses on his continuing engagement with the IGADF and any disclosures made about this ongoing relationship.
This investigation follows revelations that Brereton has continued to provide consulting services to the defence force watchdog while serving as NACC commissioner. The commissioner previously led the high-profile inquiry into alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan before joining the anti-corruption body.
Political Pressure Mounts
Greens senator David Shoebridge has been particularly vocal about the situation, publishing correspondence from Furness that confirms the investigation's commencement. In a strongly worded statement, Shoebridge argued that Brereton should be removed from his position, stating that the NACC should be investigating integrity issues rather than being investigated for them.
The controversy has drawn attention from the highest levels of government, with Attorney General Michelle Rowland having written to Brereton in October 2025 seeking clarification about his ongoing defence work. Government officials confirmed during Senate estimates hearings that they understood Brereton had verbally resigned from his assistant inspector general role with the IGADF in 2023.
Previous Oversight Concerns
This marks the second time Furness has publicly announced an investigation into the NACC's operations. In 2024, her office examined the commission's decision not to investigate six individuals referred by the robodebt royal commission. That investigation concluded that Brereton should have removed himself from related decision-making processes and limited his exposure to relevant information.
A NACC spokesperson confirmed the commission had been notified of the investigation and stated they would cooperate fully within the established framework. The spokesperson emphasised that the commission had already voluntarily provided substantial documentation during preliminary inquiries but declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation.
Government Response
The Albanese government has maintained its support for the NACC while acknowledging the oversight mechanisms are functioning as intended. A spokesperson for Attorney General Rowland declined to comment specifically on the investigation but reaffirmed the government's commitment to the commission's important work in detecting and deterring corruption across Australian public life.
The IGADF has been contacted for comment regarding Brereton's ongoing consulting arrangements, though no public statement has been issued at this time. The investigation continues as Australia's anti-corruption framework faces one of its most significant tests since establishment.
